Panforte

Panforte is a traditional Italian Christmas confection from Siena. The primary ingredients are honey, spices, candied fruit and almonds, baked into a shell made from unblessed Communion wafers. Panforte goes back to medieval times at least, and there are many legends about how it came about.

One legend takes it back to the Nativity. It is said that a poor boy followed the star to the blessed stable. All he had to give the Baby Jesus was a crust of bread, but Joseph wouldn’t allow it. Joseph gave a crumb to a bird, who flew off with it in the direction of the boy’s home, then returned the rest of the crust to the boy. When he returned home, he found his family rich, and the table set with a multitude of food, including the magical honey cake.

Another charming legend says it was invented by a nun, Sister Leta, in the 13th century. When mice ate holes in the bags of sugar, spices and almonds, the contents were mixed together on the floor. The sister thought throwing it away would be a sinful waste, so she mixed in some honey and put it in the oven to bake. When she took it out, a black cat came into the kitchen and said, “Why don’t you eat it all?” Sister Leta knew this must be the Devil, so she threw the cake at him and he vanished in a puff of smoke. When Berta, the Mother Superior, came to see what the fuss was, she tasted what was left of the cake. Anything good enough to vanquish Satan had to be a blessing!

Panforte is traditionally served with vinsanto, a sweet golden wine aged in casks for several years. At Gourmet Pantry, we carry chocolate and Margharita panforte. Margharita is a lighter, more delicate version, and both are delicious.

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